Indy Report for 10/27

Chikara is a independent promotion based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their major events each year include the King of Trios tournament between February and March, Aniversario in May, Young Lions Cup tournament held between June and August, and the Torneo Cibernetico held between September and November.

Chikara currently runs a wrestling school by the name of the Chikara Wrestle Factory. It was founded in 2002 by Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth. The wrestle factory offers training to prospective professional wrestlers, managers, valet, and referees, and is based in The Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1] Former guest instructors include Jorge "Skayde" Rivera, El Pantera, Terry Funk, CM Punk, Marty Jannetty, and many others.[1] It offers training in all styles like Pro Wrestling, Lucha Libre, Puroresu, Lancashire, Catch, and among others. It claims to be the only such training center in the United States.

http://www.chikarapro.com/


Latest Episodes of Ring Time Pro Wrestling Podcast

Scott Hall ESPN Piece

After watching the Scott Hall ESPN E:60 piece I gave it a week to digest. I thought it was actually well put together and was not too slanted in one way or the other. The segment did not do any favors for the wrestling business. We got to see the ultimate scum promoter who put Hall out there to crash and burn in front of the world. We heard how drugs and alcohol are the norm in the business. To be fair we did get to see that Scott still does have genuine friends like Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman that still care about him. The did also highlight that the WWE has paid a lot of money to try to help Hall out with his issues.

As a wrestling fan it hurt to see this and as a human it hurt a little more. At the end of the day I hope he gets it together for his children. I don't look at this as a tragic case in pro wrestling but just as a life tragedy. The good thing is that he has a chance to turn it around.

The Entire Scott Hall Segment

Wrestling Nigeria

Professional wrestling reaches people all over the world. What I recently discovered is that they love their pro wrestling in the wonderful country of Nigeria.

I was listening to Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast and it featured Cliff Compton (Domino)former WWE superstar from the Smackdown Brand. He had just finished a tour of Nigeria and he faced the legendary Great Power Uti. The story intrigued me enough to check out the Nigerian wrestling scene.

A big draw is for promotions to bring over wrestlers from the United States. The Universal Pro Wrestling Federation brings over names like Bobby Lashley, Val Venis and Shelton Benjamin to wrestle top stars in Nigeria. In Nigeria kayfabe is very much alive the people love to cheer for their hometown favorites.

Link to UPWF

The Great Power Uti

Wrestlers aspire to reach the heights of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin or even a John Cena. Nigeria has all of that rolled up into one with the Great Power Uti. For more than 20 years Uti dominated Nigerian wrestling scene. He now devotes most of his time to his missionary work. Before Uti there was the Great Power Mike and he passed the torch down to Uti.

The Latest Episode of Ring Time Pro Wrestling

Preview for WWF Vengeance PPV 10/20 by Ringtimeprowrestling | Blog Talk Radio

Preview for WWF Vengeance PPV 10/20 by Ringtimeprowrestling | Blog Talk Radio

The Ring Time Pro Wrestling Crew does a special mid week episode to talk about the upcoming WWF Vengeance PPV and breakdown the last RAW. We will also talk some indy wrestling...

Listen to internet radio with Ringtimeprowrestling on Blog Talk Radio

Check Out 1/2 of the Ring Time Crew on the WrassleCast with the Cold Slither Podcast
http://coldslitherpodcast.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/csp-wrasslecast-october-17th-wwf-raw-from-mexico/

Weekly DVD Suggestion- Card Subject to Change

This weeks selection I actually discovered on Netflix. "Card Subject To Change" takes a look at the world of independent wrestling. This is one of the more balanced looks at the indy circuit. It follows several wrestlers and show how they get prepared for shows and what goes into putting on a promotion.

We get to see legendary veterans like Kamala and Kevin Sullivan teach young wrestlers the ropes. The movie profiles a young up and coming Rhett Titus (ROH). There are also interviews with legends like Terry Funk, Jim Cornette and former WWF and current TNA Talent Developer Tom Prichard.

Also we get to see the life of an independent promoter as we see Johnny Falco of National Wrestling Superstars out of New Jersey. We see how Johnny got started out and all he goes through to put on 40-60 events a year. Falco puts out flyers clips tickets and deals with the talent.

Card Subject to Change also follows the late Trent Acid and shows a match between him and Billy Kidman. They talk about his 11 year career on the indy circuit which started when he was 14 years old. You also get a glimpse into the drug problem that unfortunately took his life. Another late wrestler featured in the film is Hall of Famer Sherry Martel. The ups and downs of wrestling before the possible fame and riches.

Wrestling needs 2 Bobby Heenan's Right Now

The original title of this post was "The WWF needs 2 Bobby Heenan's". Then I realized that the entire business would benefit from the Brain being a part of the mix. Why 2 do you ask? In addition to being one of the greatest manager (if not the greatest) Heenan was followed it up with a top notch career as a broadcaster. His insights during the match and chemistry with the late Gorilla Monsoon will never be reduplicated.

Right now wrestling is in a transition phase and the business is looking for new stars. Bobby Heenan was a star maker. He can make any heel 10 times more hated and if a babyface feuded with any of his charges he became that much more loved.

Classic Heenan Promo's

TNA Bound For Glory Coverage

The Ring Time Crew was all over TNA Bound For Glory this year. We did an in-depth match by match breakdown of the show. Check out our thoughts of the biggest TNA Event of the year.

Ring Time Pro Wrestling Bound For Glory Review


Keith also joined the crew of the Cold Slither podcast for their WrassleCast series, a special podcast where we of the Cold Slither crew will jump on Skype and talk through whatever wrestling show is on TV at the time. This one was about TNA Bound For Glory.

Check out the WrassleCast
http://coldslitherpodcast.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/csp-wrasslecast-tna-impact-bound-for-glory-ppv-on-october-16th/

The Latest Episode of The Cold Slither Podcast

The Indy Wrestling Report

A new element to be added to the Ring Time Pro Wrestling movement is the Indy Wrestling Report. We will discuss it on the podcast and post blogs on whats going on the various independent wrestling organizations.

When we started the blog and the show we wanted to talk about everything that was wrestling. There is nothing more important to the future of pro wrestling then the indies. Now I know that I will not hit every organization but if you feel I am missing something you are more than welcome to send in suggestions. There is a lot of good wrestling all over the world and we want to see who is out there.

The first report will just be an overview of 2 organizations that I like.

NWA Anarchy

Based of Cornelia, GA NWA Anarchy was birthed out of its predecessor NWA Wildside. Which was owned by Bill Behrens who also ran the WWF Developmental Program Deep South Wrestling which boast such alumni as The Miz. Behrens taking over as Executive Producer of Anarchy brought over the TV syndication deal from NWA Wildside which allows the show to be seen all over the US, Britain and Italy.

NWA Anarchy/Wildside Alumni
Consequences Creed (formerly TNA, now WWE Developmental)
Ron Killing (R-Truth)
Phil Shatter (Gunner)
Mikal Judas (Murphy)
http://www.nwaanarchy.net/

Ohio Valley Wrestling

Ohio Valley Wrestling can easily boast that a good number of the top stars in the business spent some time training in OVW. Based out of Louisville, KY the promotion is where names like Batista, Brock Lesnar and John Cena have honed their craft. The boast a great training program that has ring veterans Danny Davis, Al Snow and Rip Rodgers. The put on shows all over the Ohio Valley area and produce a weekly show that can be found in local markets and online. They are very professionally produced. Despite not having the relationship with the WWF anymore OVW is still a good place to see some of the best new wrestling talent out there.

OVW Alumni
Shelton Benjamin
Randy Orton
Beth Phoenix
John Cena
Batista
Brock Lesnar
Mr. Anderson
CM Punk
Bobby Lashley

http://ovwrestling.com/

Who Remembers War Games

There is one match that I wish would return to wrestling. That match is War Games. A brain child of Dusty Rhodes that was introduced in Jim Crockett Promotions. A chance to 8 to 10 of the top wrestlers in the business all go at in 2 steel cages. The only way to win is get a member of the other team to quit. The match actually has two layers to it. The first layer is members from each opposing team enter the cage one by one alternating until all members of each team are inside the cage. That is when the Match Beyond begins and when a member of the team can quit.

The early stars of War Games were the Four Horsemen. Fans would love to see Ric Flair and company get beat down by the top faces in NWA/WCW.

Horsemen War Games Promo

It would be nice to a wrestling organization bring back this match. It would be a good way to elevate talent on their rosters and make for interesting stories to craft around the match.

Latest Episode of Ring Time Pro Wrestling

Weekly DVD Suggestion - Heroes of World Class

In a previous DVD suggestion I recommended the WWF produced look at World Class Championship Wrestling. This week I say why don't you check out the non WWF produced product. Heroes of World Class takes a very in depth look at the organization know as WCCW. This piece still focuses on the Von Erich family but also gives a better look at the other wrestlers who helped make the promotion an international phenomenon. It allows you to get a better look at the lives and tragedies of Gentleman Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez and Bruiser Brody.

There a lot of in depth interviews with superstars from that era and gets very personal. Kevin Von Erich actually takes us to the Sportatorium before it is demolished and takes tour of the legendary building. Find out what made fans so passionate about World Class in Texas and beyond. You should be able to find this video on Amazon for a decent price.

Latest Episode Ring Time Pro Wrestling Podcast


We are also now on Stitcher Radio and iTunes just search Ring Time Pro Wrestling

Will Daniel Bryan's Money In The Bank Win Get Lost

After the smoke cleared in the Smackdown Money In The Bank match the wrestling world was shocked to see the winner was Daniel Bryan. Billed as an "internet darling" his win did make fans think that maybe the WWF (putting the F back in Wrestling) was going in a different direction. At least the direction of body builder types getting pushed despite their lack of in ring ability. Then on the Smackdown following the PPV, Bryan announced that he would cash in his MITB briefcase at the biggest WWF event of the year Wrestlemania. The idea of Daniel Bryan being on one of the main event matches at mania was a welcomed idea to a lot of wrestling fans.

What has happened to Bryan is probably the worst treatment of a supposedly top tier contender ever. There is no reason to believe that he will be a viable to challenger that will cash in his contract at Wrestlemania. Bryan has been a horrible losing run getting beat mid card players who will not be in the main event anytime soon. Not only that he has not really been on TV for any matches of consequence. His last win over Trent Barreta on Superstars could not even be seen on television in the United States and not on the US WWE website. He actually had to tweet the link out himself so people could see it.

Now don't get me wrong the creative team could spin this and he could go on a massive win streak. Right now that is hard to imagine. It seems like now he may get the Mr. Kennedy treatment and another wrestler will challenge him for the briefcase and take it. Or what I fear the WWF may do is just forget that he has ever won the Money In The Bank briefcase. Literally not acknowledge that his win has ever happened. It may sound crazy but continuity in storylines has not been a strong point for a lot wrestling companies lately and especially the WWF. Fans for the most part are kind of out of sight, out of mind and the company does not really care too much what fans post on blogs and social media anyway. Right now we will just have to see how it all plays out.

Follow the Writer on Twitter- @Kholtjr

The Mark Henry Era Connects With Fans

The World Heavyweight Championship belongs to the World's Strongest Man Mark Henry and he does not appear to be giving up the title anytime soon. There has been a lot of positive feedback to Henry winning the title and he was even cheered by a fans despite his heel persona. There is a reason with for, Mark Henry's story is an easy one to believe and relates to fans.

Mark has been with the WWF for 15 years and this is his first World Title reign. Prior to this he has only held 2 other titles in the organization. Being a European Champion and ECW champ and both were 1 time reigns that were almost 10 years apart. His career has had a few starts and stops that have included injuries other setbacks. He is finally getting to run with the ball. How many of us have been overlooked on our jobs? Been passed over for a promotion that you are clearly qualified for or helped someone on a big project that you did not get credit for while someone else rode it to a big raise.

It is also not a stretch to believe in Mark as a heel champion. He is a legitimately recognized World's Strongest Man. He is an 2 time Olympic power lifter and weighs in at 400 pounds. To think that he can beat any opponent on any given night is not a out of the question. He can be flat out scary sometimes and his promos make you believe him.

Power Lifting Bio of Mark Henry

Mark Henry Promo

Latest Ring Time Episode

How far has Hulk Hogan fell off

While channel surfing I came across the newest venture of Hulk Hogan. He is promoting a new wrestling promotion but its not what you think. This is not a commercial for TNA or the WWF. He is not going over to Ring of Honor and DragonGate USA or even Lucha Libre USA. Hogan's newest challenge is promoting Micro Championship Wrestling. It is a wrestling organization primarily features little people as competitors. The show comes on TruTV and also features former pro wrestler Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs.

Not that I have anything against little people wrestling but this is not the place for one the greatest of all time. He is easily the most famous wrestler of all time. His career in the ring is over but if he is going to stay in the business then it should be at a much higher level. The TNA experiment appears to be failing but I would rather see him fail at TNA than do this. Could you image Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky putting their name on little people's basketball or hockey. I hope Hogan gets it together soon because this is sad to see.

Latest Ring Time Pro Wrestling Show

Wrestling Gone Corporate

The original title of this post was "Did Going Public Hurt The WWE Product". In reality it is not just the simple act of the company being traded in the stock market but the overall corporate nature that wrestling has taken on. Don't get me wrong I am not vilifying Vince McMahon for making money but I do think he has slowly taken apart the foundations of what made a lot of the old school wrestling fans connect to the product in the first place. This happens in all areas of business and especially in creative forms of business. As the music and movie business got more MBA's involved it slowly got less interesting. What happens is that the business people do not understand the business they are in and just understand the numbers aspect of it all. What drives profit today could hurt long term profits.

The Fall of The Territories

The territory system did a lot for the wrestling business in a few ways. It gave a lot of wrestling talent more than just one place to hone their craft. Gimmicks were able to be rehashed if they worked and scrapped if they sucked. Not sure if the territories could have survived in the current media market but who knows. With increased national exposure there maybe 3 or 4 viable top tier wrestling companies. Right now we only have one and them not having to compete for talent or for the market share has hurt the business as a whole.

The breakdown also took away the regional and local attachments that the area fans had to the product. The promotions used to travel to the same cities on a routine schedule that made talent have to keep continuity of their storylines and allowed the fans to be emotionally invested in the product.

Too Many Non Wrestling People In The Mix

Just like the music business, the interest of people who are just interested in making a profit has watered down the business. Vince McMahon has to now try to make people understand a business that they would never be involved with otherwise. This is believed to be one of the things that led to the downfall of WCW. One advantage the WWE has is that they are not owned a by more profitable parent company. In attempting to maintain the the mainstream appeal and attract more advertisers and merchandisers the company has slowly over time irritated their core audience. The core audience that made the brand what it is in the first place.


CM Punk Promo



Some Ring Time Pro Wrestling Podcast